Reps urge IGP, Army to probe murder of Ibadan traders

The House of Representatives has urged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar and the Army to investigate the murder of 10 Ibadan traders by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.

The lawmakers also enjoined the IGP and the military authorities to ensure that the culprits were apprehended and brought to justice to act as a deterrent to others.

The House of Representatives urged the Federal Government to tighten security in Borno State, especially in public places, such as markets, churches and mosques, to forestall a recurrence.

The resolutions followed the adoption of the prayers of a motion moved by Ajibola Muraina (PDP-Oyo) by the majority of the lawmakers.

The House also advised the Federal Government to compensate the bereaved families.

Muraina, presenting the motion titled ‘Gruesome Killing of Ibadan Traders in Borno State by members of Boko Haram’, gave a recap of how the traders were attacked and killed by persons suspected to belong to the Boko Haram sect.

The lawmaker said 10 of the traders were murdered and millions of Naira were stolen from them.

He expressed concern that the attack occurred despite the emergency rule in the state.

Muraina said it was sad that no measures were in place to safeguard the life and property of citizens in Borno State.

He enjoined his colleagues to support the motion to tighten security in the North.

The motion was not opposed and was adopted by the House.

When the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, who presided, put the motion to vote, it was supported.

The House of Representatives also urged the Federal Government to address the plight of internally- displaced persons in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states.

It enjoined the National Refugees Commission to take measures to protect the rights of the citizens in the affected areas.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion brought to the House by a member, Abubakar Wambai (PDP-Adamawa).

Wambai, presenting his argument, said the United Nations in its report on the affected areas noted that over 6,000 internally- displaced persons have fled to Niger, Chad and Cameroun.

According to him, the people still live in fear despite that the military seems to be operating by the rules of engagement.

He said the situation was worsened by the disruption of mobile telephone services, which is causing economic and social difficulties.

The legislator said the situation in the affected states would degenerate if the trend was not curbed.